Jordan Brand Classic: Thursday standouts and notes

MORE: Five storylines to follow during the late signing period

NEW YORK CITY - Thursday activities at the 2017 Jordan Brand Classic featured a spirited scrimmage between the East and West squads in front of several NBA Scouts inside of the Terminal 23 facility in midtown Manhattan. Alabama-bound five-star point guard Collin Sexton was one of several standouts from an incredibly competitive scrimmage as we review Thursday news and notes.

Recruitment: Committed to Alabama.

His day: The athletic and creative guard did what he always does. He played with a high level of energy, he attacked the rim, he mixed in some jumpers and he talked some trash. He's going to be that guy that opposing fanbases hate even more because they can't help but like him.

Recruitment: Down to Duke, Kentucky, Michigan and Texas.

His day: Thanks to his length and timing, Bamba made attempting shots in the lane miserable for the East team. NBA scouts told Rivals.com that they could see Bamba developing into a Tyson Chandler type defender/rebounder/enforcer in the League.

Recruitment: Committed to Arizona.

His day: Playing alongside Mohamed Bamba on the West's front line, it wasn't even fair. After spending most of the week at the McDonald's All-American game hunting jump shots, Ayton was active around the rim and was awfully tough to stop in the post.

Recruitment: Committed to Oregon.

His day: Some players have hurt themselves trying to show out for the NBA scouts in attendance, Brown has only helped himself. He took what was given, played some inspired defense and came through with one of the day's biggest highlights on a huge putback dunk.

Recruitment: Down to Duke, Florida State, Kentucky, Missouri and North Carolina.

His day: Knox had the jump shot rolling on Thursday. He loves to fade away into either corner for the three and it's a difficult shot that he makes look really easy. He also mixed in drives and was very active on the glass.

Just taking the pulse of the room, it sounds like Duke may be slightly ahead with UNC and Missouri pushing hard.

Recruitment: Committed to Kentucky.

His day: No other point guard did a better job of communicating with his teammates and getting them involved. He also stuck a couple of jumpers and for the most part took care of the ball.

Recruitment: Committed to Michigan State.

His day: Jackson backed up his move to No. 6 in the final 2017 rankings on Thursday. He made a pick and pop three, had some big dunks in traffic and of all the players on the East team he seemed to be the least intimidated by the length/size of Bamba and Ayton.

... The top-ranked prospect in the 2017 Rivals150, Michael Porter Jr. did not practice on Thursday. He's having some back problems and is questionable for Friday night's nationally televised game.

... After looking a little less than himself at McDonald's and the Nike Hoop Summit, 2017's top point guard Trevon Duval appears to be getting some spark back. He was particularly good when playing alongside former summer teammate Quade Green. As for his recruitment, Duke continues to be the speculated leader but nobody outside of his family seems to have a true feel for where he might be leaning.

... Arizona guard Allonzo Trier's decision to return to school could loom large in the recruitment of Brian Bowen, and so could Miles Bridges' likely returning to Michigan State. The five-star wing is looking to make an instant impact and the return of those guys could be a huge boost for Creighton's efforts. Also, it sounds like Duke and Oregon are now both sniffing around and seeing about trying to make a late run.

... Also having very nice days were Kentucky-bound forward P.J. Washington and Miami-bound shooting guard Lonnie Walker. Washington rebounded, scored effectively between five and 15 feet and didn't try to do anything out of his comfort zone. Walker got open away from the ball and then knocked down one open jumper after another.